Announcement

New Indoor League a success!

Field hockey in the winter has long been an option for adults but never a game played at the junior level. This year marks the first year in falcon history that juniors have the option to play year round. In partnership with South Delta Parks, Falcons created an indoor league starting November 5th for seven weeks for the age groups 9 – 14 for boys and girls. While the older age groups were not as responsive to the offer the girls 9 -12 have come in flocks! The original time slot, originally only available for 12, has doubled to 26 kids. Lelia Sacre and Mike Gunning were there day one to give an orientation of the indoor game which differs somewhat from the outdoor game. There is no hitting, lifting the ball or scooping. Players still must score inside a marked D but can raise the ball on net once inside the D. The biggest difference is the speed of the game and the focus on offense. With a smaller floor, both teams can transition to offense immediately making for high scoring games and a focus on individual skills. Players improve their decision making skills and how to utilize the two on one and one on one skills in high speed situations. “We’ve noticed the rate of skill improvement double in the same amount of time” says Mike Gunning, president of Falcons and member of the Men’s Premier team. The indoor game is also a focus that FHBC has been trying to get clubs to buy into for many of the same reasons Falcons have experienced since Jurgen Lankau introduced it to the club back in the 1970’s. While this initial program has garnered optimistic feedback from the players and parents, the focus now is to grow the experience to other age groups across the girls and boys programs evenly. If all goes well there will be indoor running from October to December and January to March annually for 8-14 year old boys and girls. Once players have reached 14 they will likely be transitioned into adult leagues at the recreational level. Then they will have the ability to practice with the adult indoor program through the Fall and Winter League. For those who are interested in seeing there 9 – 12 year old boy try indoor, Falcons will be offering a chance to try it for free starting November 19 from 6:30 -7:30pm at the Baptist Church Gym. Please contact Guy Manwaring (Club Captain) by email at gremlinchaser1965@gmail.com for more information.